Coppull once again demonstrated why he belongs among Royal Ascot’s elite after delivering a dominant performance in the Commonwealth Cup trial at Ascot on Friday. The offspring of Bated Breath, who had previously captured the Richmond Stakes as a two‑year‑old and later secured a respectable third place in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket, showed a marked improvement on the Rowley Mile. From the start, Coppell was held back while the front‑runner Ghost Mode set the early pace.
When the pace began to soften, Coppull surged forward, overtaking Ghost Mode and then, with a second, decisive acceleration, fended off a late challenge from the 66‑to‑1 outsider Midnight Tango, ridden by Ed Walker. The finish was a narrow neck, but it was enough to give Rossa Ryan a well‑deserved win.
The third‑placed horse, Division, was a clear distance behind, underscoring the superiority of Coppull’s effort. The victory came at odds of 7‑2, and the bookmakers responded by shortening his price to 12‑1 for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup at the summer Royal Ascot meeting – a race that trainer Tim Cox has previously won with Golden Horde. Before that, Cox is likely to aim the colt at the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock on May 23, a logical stepping‑stone that would keep the horse sharp and test his stamina over a slightly longer trip. Cox, who also guided Jasour to victory in the same race two years ago, praised Coppull’s progress: "It was a fantastic start to the year and a perfect way to showcase his talent.
He was very pleasing last season, especially when he won the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. We took a sideways step in the Prix Morny, but finishing strongly in the Middle Park was encouraging." He added that the colt had matured over the winter: "He hasn’t grown much taller, but he’s become stronger and more mentally mature.
I was impressed by how he quickened twice after a brief lull, showing great resilience. He fought back well and I’m extremely proud of him.
We’ve had a good spring so far, and I expect him to improve further as the season progresses. The Sandy Lane is a very logical next target before we aim for the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot." The report also highlighted the achievements of Sweet William, another seasoned campaigner. The seven‑year‑old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, proved his staying power by holding off Caballo De Mar in a thrilling finish to the Longines Sagaro Stakes. Sweet William, a stalwart of long‑distance racing, had already secured a second win in the Doncaster Cup for 2025 and a runner‑up spot to stablemate Trawlerman on British Champions Day.
Sent off as the 5‑6 favourite for his comeback, Sweet William was expertly guided by Robert Havlin, who kept the gelding on a short head to clinch the victory and secure a place at the Royal meeting in June. Thady Gosden praised his charge: "He’s a smashing horse. Even a year older, he retains his enthusiasm and loves to keep you guessing.
He was happy to lift his head in the straight and, after two miles, the jockey gave him a brilliant ride. He hit the front and stayed there when it mattered most." Looking ahead, Sweet William’s connections intend to target the Gold Cup, though they have not ruled out an additional run in the interim.
Gosden explained, "We’ll see how he recovers, but the natural plan is to aim for the Gold Cup. We’ll discuss options with owner Philippa Cooper and decide the best route.
He’s a character who enjoys both home life and racing." The article also mentioned the runner‑up from the trial, whose connections are excited about his future prospects. Trainer George Scott expressed delight with his improving Group One performer, noting that the horse gave weight away in the trial and is now set to race in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on May 21, a key preparation for the Gold Cup.
"He stays two‑and‑a‑half miles exceptionally well and gave a career‑best performance despite conceding weight," Scott said. "We’re looking forward to June and his Gold Cup chances, but first we’ll sharpen him in France." Overall, the trial underscored the depth of talent heading into the summer’s major festivals. Coppull’s impressive turn of foot, combined with Sweet William’s enduring stamina and the runner‑up’s proven class, sets the stage for an exciting Royal Ascot. Fans can expect a closely contested Commonwealth Cup, a strong field for the Gold Cup, and further thrilling contests in the lead‑up races across the UK and France.
The season’s narrative is already shaping around these horses, their trainers, and the strategic campaign plans designed to maximize their potential on the world’s biggest racing stages.